Taipei 101
C.Y. Lee · Taipei, Taiwan · 2004
Taipei 101 is a skyscraper located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, Taiwan. Completed in 2004, it was designed by architect C.Y. Lee. The building's form is inspired by traditional Chinese pagoda architecture and features a series of eight segments, each comprising eight floors, a number associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. Its unique structural design incorporates an inverted hat-like form at the top, contributing to its distinctive silhouette on the city skyline. For a period, Taipei 101 held the distinction of being the world's tallest building. Its structural system includes a tuned mass damper, visible to the public, which helps mitigate swaying caused by strong winds and seismic activity, common in the region. The building houses commercial offices, retail spaces, and an observatory, serving as a prominent landmark and a symbol of modern Taiwan.